Rob Bell, Yoga, and the Mystical Path: Why the Church Must Discern
The Seduction of Mysticism in the Modern Church
In a recent church gathering, a well-known evangelical pastor led his congregation in a breathing exercise, instructing them to take “nice, big, deep breaths.” He claimed this practice—along with meditation, reflection, and silence—had always been part of Christian tradition.
He went on to reference Yoga, affirming, “One of its central tenets is that your breath must remain constant regardless of the pose. Yoga masters say this is how you follow Jesus and surrender to God.”
This is a classic case of Eastern mysticism being baptized in Christian language—a deceptive blend that is growing in popularity but dangerously unbiblical.
⚠️ The Rise of Christian Mysticism
Pastors like Rob Bell represent a new wave of evangelical leaders embracing mysticism, often citing medieval Catholic mystics or drawing directly from Eastern spiritual practices in their search for “spiritual depth.”
While some medieval mystics were sincere in their desire for God, their doctrines were often flawed and unanchored from Scripture. Their loyalty remained with the institutional church and the pope, rather than the Bible. This left them vulnerable to subjective experiences and false revelations, many of which were psychic or even demonic in origin.
Mysticism frequently leads to altered states of consciousness, which Scripture never instructs believers to seek. This opens the door to deception, counterfeit experiences, and spiritual confusion.
🛑 What’s the Problem with Mystical Experiences?
As Catholic theologian Dr. Hans Küng observed:
“These new revelations not only overshadowed the Bible and the Gospel but also Him whom the Gospel proclaims... It is striking how rarely Christ appeared in all these ‘revelations,’ ‘apparitions,’ and ‘wonders.’”
Küng goes on to say that many of the most devout Catholics of his time chased after mystical visions and experiences, yet had never read the Scriptures cover to cover.
This quote highlights the core issue: Mysticism replaces the authority of Scripture with personal, subjective experiences. It may feel spiritual—but it often leads people away from Christ, not toward Him.
🔍 Historical Roots: Where Did Mysticism Come From?
Medieval mysticism emerged as a reaction against the cold, lifeless rituals of the medieval Catholic Church. During this same era, genuine revival movements such as the Waldenses and Albigenses also arose—but unlike the mystics, these groups gave their full allegiance to Scripture, not to religious institutions.
The mystics, however, fell prey to non-biblical spiritual philosophies, especially Neoplatonism—a pagan, mystical worldview that prioritizes inner enlightenment, oneness with the universe, and altered consciousness.
Today’s “Christian” mysticism is little more than a modern rebranding of these ancient pagan beliefs, wrapped in church lingo and disguised as “spiritual formation” or “contemplative prayer.”
🚫 Breathing Exercises, Yoga, and the Church
When Christian leaders begin to teach breath control as a way to connect with God or quote yoga masters as spiritual guides, we have crossed a dangerous line. Breathing and stillness are not the problem—but when they are used as a portal to spiritual states outside of biblical prayer, they become an entry point for deception.
Breathing exercises are not “neutral.” In Eastern mysticism, they are designed to induce altered states, invite spirit guides, and empty the mind—all of which are forbidden by God’s Word (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
📖 What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible calls believers to meditate—not on silence or breath—but on God’s Word.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:2
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
God never instructs His people to enter altered states, repeat mantras, or seek union with the divine self. True prayer is relational, not experiential for the sake of experience.
🙅♀️ Rejecting the Mystical Counterfeit
In every generation, the Church is tempted to add to the simplicity of the Gospel. Mysticism offers spiritual thrills but produces spiritual bondage. Experiences without biblical truth become idolatry—even when labeled “Christian.”
Believers today must exercise discernment, test every spirit (1 John 4:1), and cling to God’s Word as the final authority—not feelings, dreams, or mystical visions.
🔥 Final Thoughts from Eddie Hyatt
Mysticism is not a harmless trend—it is a spiritual deviation from truth, opening Christians up to psychic deception and demonic influence. While revival and intimacy with God are real and vital, they must come through the cross of Christ and the truth of Scripture, not through ancient or Eastern pathways.
🧠 Resources & More
📘 Read more in my book:
2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity – [Charisma House, 2002]
📰 For further study and warnings about modern mysticism:
👉 Lighthouse Trails Research
👉 Biblical Awakening Blog
With love and truth,
Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
📣 Featured in Who's Who Press Release
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